Momma cat has passed by elfin12u
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Description
She is gone!
Momma cat came into my life in June of 2001. My brother Tom had noticed her in the neighborhood, and went and bought some cat food for this emancipated little waif. She would not linger long, enough to eat and drink and be off again. She was very aloof, and timid. After about a week of this routine, she stayed long enough for us to realize she was pregnant, in fact very much so. It was obvious that she had been incredibly malnourished, and we were concerned more for her unborn babies at the time. An unseasonably cold weekend was approaching, and with momma cat looking like she could give birth at any time, I managed to coax her to me. I wanted to make sure she would be warm over the weekend, but in order to bring her into my brother’s house, and not infect his dog, I had to make sure she wasn’t carrying fleas, ticks, or mites. The cat didn’t mean to mind my close inspection, and I literally looked over every inch of her with a magnifying glass,…..she was totally clean! So, we had a cat for the weekend, the plan being that we would take her to the animal shelter after work on Monday. I didn’t sleep well Sunday night,..and thought a great deal about our plan all day at work on Monday. I was afraid that if we were to bring her in, they might just put her down, she really didn’t look very healthy, and she was about to bring more kittens into this world. So Tom and I decided that we would just keep her around to make sure she could give birth safely.
It was during this time, that Cheri and I had become somewhat friendly, and she was now giving me complete sentences…..we didn’t start out that way, sometimes I would get more than three words, and considered that a good day. Momma gave birth to her kittens, I believe on or around the twelfth of July. Five kittens, a female that looked a great deal like her only a bit darker in her coloring, a long haired black male with white paws and mustache. Two orange female tigers, one long haired and one short. And the runt of the litter, a solid black male. I was all excited and told Cheri that night that I was a daddy again!! My mother and father outlaw adopted the female that mostly resembled Momma, she is still with them, her name is sugar foot, and she has a great home with them. The two tigers Tom found homes for, friends of his that he worked nights with. My sons Chris and Justin decided that they would keep the black and white male, and named him Aragorn, he was supposed to be the alpha male, largest kitten of the litter. I decided that I would keep the runt, named him Demon, because he was the devil incarnate as a kitten. Momma cat claimed Tom as her human, and he grew so attached to her, that there was no longer any thoughts of giving her up. I moved out of Tom’s house in Late September of 2003, and we brought all of the cats with, including Momma cat. It’s odd that we never gave her more of a name than that, although she was referred to in the beginning by several different names, some of which I dare not mention here. I had learned that a female cat can be impregnated by several different males, and considering the diversity of the litter, I have no doubts that is true, but then you can probably guess some of the more bawdy names she was called. But she always seemed to answer and come running to Momma, and so that stuck. Cheri at this time, moved in with us with two cats of her own, my niece also moved in,…..it’s kind of a big house, with two cats of hers, so I guess for a long time, we sorta had a cat house! Tom was diagnosed shortly after with a massive and inoperable brain tumor. He passed away the following March, but Momma had already thrown her love and affection on Cheri. She would meet her at the door every day, when Cheri came home from work, and then climb up on her lap, any chance possible, especially while Cheri was at her computer. Momma cat has left me with one of the best gifts I could ever hope for. Demon is really a lot more like a dog than a cat, that’s him on my lap in my avatar. He’s a great friend, not quite so much the terror he once was, but still manages to make himself noticed. We will miss momma cat so much, she never did manage to gain any weight, and always looked so gaunt, never had a good fur coat, always mangy looking and thin. She remained so small, that most people thought her more a kitten than a full grown adult cat. I am so glad that from the time we met, she’s always had food to eat, water to drink, and a warm place to sleep,…and was safe. Our best estimate to her age was 16. I did not think she would make the weekend a week ago, but she just wasn’t ready yet. Tonight however, I guess the time was finally here, and she had fought, resisted, until there was just nothing more to give. She passed as I was holding her tight, telling her that it was ok, and that we loved her so much. Tom’s dog Ebony had died about two weeks ago now, her and momma actually were friends. Now Ebby will have another pal to romp and play with.
I promised that I would do this, and thank you much for reading this far,….and caring so much!!! We love you!
Comments (28)
Rainastorm
It is so hard to let go, but by the sounds of it...it was her time...you all gave her a wonderful life. That made her complete. She is no longer in pain or will ever have to suffer again, and even though that sounds nice, it doesn't fix the fact she is gone from your lives. Your in our thoughts guys. Hugs, Rose Beautiful picture of her by the way.
elfin14doaks
My precious little Momma. I am going to miss you so very much. You were the last to say goodbye to me before work, and the first to greet me at the door. Then we go immediately to my computer and as soon as I sat down, you were on my lap. I held you up until it was time for you to go, then when you were scared , you wanted Dad to hold you. I know when it is my turn to pass you will be waiting for me at the door. Until we meet again my little Momma.
mgtcs
Adorable!
bakapo
oh, I'm so sorry, I know how hard it is to say goodbye. I wish you gentle healing and happy memories of your beloved kitty.
zil2008
Dave, I am so sorry to hear this news but from the pictures on Cheri's gallery she looked like she was not well at all. 16 is is along life and you gave her a happy life. You will all meet again someday at Rainbow bridge. I have tears in my eyes and know how you all feel tonight. Doesn't matter how many times we have to go through this it never gets easier. My haert goes out to you and Cheri. I really hope things improve for you guys soon as it has been a tough year. On Thursday is Thanksgiving and you can all give thanks for all the wonderful years you had with Momma. She now will be in that special place in your heart and your mind. Beyond The Rainbow As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played, I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade. I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity. I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide! And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be! My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do. I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night. 'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold. For although we may not be together in the way we used to be, We are still connected by a cord no eye can see. So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart. Author Unknown
Faemike55
This is a very beautiful yet sad story! I'm very sorry for your loss, I replied to Cheri's email with the 'Rainbow Bridge' I know that she will share it with you. thank you for sharing this very imtimate and sad moment with us.Be at peace, for Momma is
Darklorddc
My deepest sympathies. My cat has been my best bud for 14 years, I can only imagine what you went through. 16 is a good run, and it sounds like you gave her some wonderful years and made sure her last moments were filled with warmth, comfort and affection...we should all be so lucky.
auntietk
Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear about Momma! Thank you so much for telling us her story. This is a beautiful tribute to a very dear member of your family. I'm glad she was able to be with you at home until the end. Take good care ... my love to you both.
MrsRatbag
Oh, how sad and how beautiful...my condolences on your loss. I've been there and done that many times, and still have more in my future too. It never gets easy.
clbsmiley
I am glad you were home when Momma Cat decided it was time to go. She will be missed!! But you have part of her family still cherish them.
amota99517
This is such a heart felt and moving story. I'm glad that you had time to be with your little furry friend. My thoughts are with you.
wysiwig
Thanks for sharing momma's story with us Dave. I said what I had to say over at Cheri's gallery. My little siamese has been gone 20 years. It gets easier but you never forget. All my best to you and Cheri.
bazza
So sad to hear of the loss of momma cat, I know you both will miss her.. Just hope you remember all the good times she shared with you..
myrrhluz
I'm am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing her story and for giving her a good life. When we love, we risk hurt, but it is worth it. Best wishes to you and Cheri.
cheekyelf
It is good to know how other people feel about their beloved pets & know they are not alone when they lose their best friends,Xx
morganahope
I'M CRYING NOW !! Losing a friend is ALWAYS SAD BUT Cultivate GOOD MEMORIES AND SAVE THESE MOMENTS IN YOUR HEART! NOTE THAT THE WORLD IS TAKING CARE OF HER AND HER SOUL WILL REST IN PEACE WITH ALL THAT YOUR FAMILY CARING DEDICATED TO HER FOR ALL THESE YEARS! MY FEELINGS!
anahata.c
you left me in tears too...I'm so sorry about this loss, but it seems that Momma had a long & good life. Amazing story of the whole family of pets and your family and Cheri, etc. I'm sorry I've been away so long, but it's been from all RR; and I'm just now coming back. It's hard to come back to the passing of a beloved pet. I'm so sorry for your loss. As always, you wrote openly, honestly & movingly, and I'm grateful that you shared this. And Dave—to add light to it—I saw your previous upload about Cheri, and I'm astonished and very happy! I hadn't seen it when I commented on Cheri, so I'm so happy! And you say you know how to keep it that way: I believe you! I wish you both much light & strength, Dave. And for your loss, my deepest sympathies. I'll be back. Have a wonderful holiday, even though it's carrying sadness for you. May the season bring a waterfall of light to you both. You both deserve it. Many sympathies...a beautiful upload.
2121
Sorry for the two of you, but don't worry she will still be around, you will catch her in the rustle of the breeze as it shifts the fallen leaves and she will rub against your leg one night, dont be alarmed.just smile and remember.
jendellas
Thankyou Dave for sharing Momma's story, Never easy to loose a friend, she had a lovely home & family. I have to agree with 2121, I know she will be around you, making sure you are all ok.
jo_dis
What a wonderful humane soul you are
HADCANCER
So sad when a member of the family passes
Chipka
This is incredibly heartfelt, and touching in so many ways. It's always amazing to know that others feel about cats as I do. At times I prefer them to human company, but judging by a LOT of humans out there, it's quite obvious that cats are preferable. The fact that Momma had a good life and a great place to have kittens speaks volumes...and I can literally see you checking her over for fleas, mites, and ticks. That is an image that'll stay in my mind! That's a good thing. The fact that Momma was in a good place, with great people is such a huge comfort, and even though it doesn't make her passing any easier to bear, it at least provides a comfort that the Universe is ultimately a warm and accommodating place. I'm also amazed at how much Momma looked like my friend Mike's cat, Vashtai. SHE died a while back of old age, and by weird coincidence, Mike managed to acquire a kitten who acted a lot like Vashtai did when SHE was a kitten. Wednesday, the "new kitten" is now a full grown adult and is STILL a rambunctious, dangerously cute love glutton. That's the only real difference between her and Vashtai. Vashtai grew into a sedate adulthood, Wednesday just grew. I mention this, because I think in some way, Momma might send word to you; not like she simply downloaded into a new body (though such a thing is possible) but simply in that love never really goes away, and it does exist in a cross-species plane, and all of the love that you still have for Momma WILL find new ways of expression and sharing. For me, at least, that's a good thing to hold onto. And as for Momma...she was a little cutie. Still is, because like the ancient Egyptians believed, as long as one's name is remembered, one is immortal. Thank you for sharing this! It's a wonderful tribute to the whole family.
Lisajobb
I agree with those ancient Egyptians. When you remember anyone, human or otherwise with love, they are truly immortal. Momma has not gone from existense, she has simply moved to another plane. She will be in touch. bless you all!
Minda
so sorry to hear this i know how it feel ..Thank you for sharing her story..
gypsyflame
Awwwwwwwww, I feel your loss, but I find comfort in the fact that she was well loved and given a decent home. She was a beautiful cat, a calico from what I can tell...I'm so thankful she found you and Cheri!
chaylastorm
Having just read your story... it has made me so very sad. Some animals just grab you by the heart strings, and it hurts so bad when they go. She no doubt appriciated the food, water and a warm safe place to sleep, but life must go on, and in her place she has left you Demon. Enjoy you Christmas and I wish you all the best for the New Year.
three_grrr
Even though I am way late reading this, I am in tears. But I'm thinking of all the GOOD things .. She had LOVE in her life, PEOPLE that were HERS. She had her babies in a warm place, filled with love and caring, and they all have wonderful homes. She had food to fill her little tummy. And even though her beginnings were so rocky they affected her growth, and her coat, she thrived in other ways. And in the end, she was surrounded by her loved ones, and in the arms of those who loved her dearly. She didn't die ALONE and SCARED. She will be around to check you and Cheri. If you pay attention to these things, you will see her here and there at unexpected moments. When my Boo-boo cat died, she hung around the house for a year and then she continued on her journey. My Gracie Anne still comes back in dreams and in spirit, I feel her when she's with me. It's strange that my Mishu dog never did come back after he died. I think because I asked that Boo-boo should be there to guide him and welcome him to the other side, so he never felt the need to come home now and then. I know there's a God, even though in my mind it's not the traditional God that most worship, and I know that there is a place for all breathing, living things with Her.
0rest4wicked
First I would like to say that this is so endearing. Not having any dogs, all the stray cats end up here at what I call the cat house. As a joke I have a red light bulb in the front porch light. This year we had almost the same experience. A Ocicat on It's last legs ended up on our doorstep. Upon here gorging for about a week she got to be a decent size. A few days past that we realized she was pregnant. So down to the vet, as I wanted to see if the pregnancy was going to be OK. The week my Mom passed away, the Ocicat had her kittens(about 3 weeks after taking her in). Two were just like Momma and two were, if I can say this, a light black for they also had jet black striping like Momma kitty. Unfortunatley one of the baby Ocicat's did not make it, but we did raise the other three. Had them fixed and found homes for them. As in your house she started with other names like Cheetah kitty, due to her markings. Her given name is lucky yet 4 outta 5 times she still gets called Momma kitty. There is an image of the kittens posted just before Thanksgiving, sitting in my chair at the computer desk, if so inclined. With the large amount of people that walk away from their mortgage, their are a large number leaqving the pets with the house. I can't help but feel for these abandoned children. After all that's what they are! You feed, care and love them, just as a child. We take in as many as show up. Feed them until they trust us, take and get them fixed and find homes for them. We give them away for free, the money means nothing for if we did not they would surely be destroyed. It is not their fault, they are the innocent abandoned! Didn't mean to get out my soapbox. It's good to see others with a heart willing to help.